Verizon started its three decades as Orange County’s main outdoor venue back in 1981 when it opened under the name Irvine Meadows. Back then its neighbors included the Lion Country Safari wild animal park. Lion Country closed in the mid-’80s. The site was converted into the Wild Rivers water park, which operated until its closing in September 2011.

Verizon’s steep slope keeps fans a little closer to the action, though the far reaches of seats and the lawn at the very back still require fans to watch the video screens to see much on stage. Many artists use mini-stages higher in the stands to get closer to fans. We’ve seen everyone from Coldplay and KISS to Kelly Clarkson and the Jonas Brothers get out there.

Verizon offers a wide range of musical genres. A look at the 2012 summer schedule includes hard-rock acts such as Iron Maiden, KISS and Motley Crue; tween pop from Big Time Rush; jams from Dave Mathews Band; and the classical sounds of the Pacific Symphony. A lot of bands have also used the amphitheatre for concert films, including the metal band Anthrax, New Wave icons Devo and tween pop star Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana. And just this year a 30-year-old film of Ozzy Osbourne playing at Irvine Meadows in 1981 was finally released from the Ozz-meister’s vaults.

Claim to fame: Verizon is also one of the most popular festival settings in Orange County. The annual KROQ Weenie Roast has been held there every year but one. And other music festivals, from Lollapalooza and Power 106’s Comedy Fiesta to Epicenter and the annual Irish music festival have been held there.

Did you know? No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont worked at the concession stands at Verizon when it was still known as Irvine Meadows, flipping burgers, selling beer and sneaking off to see all bands play. Then, in 1990, No Doubt made its debut there as one of several bands opening for Ziggy Marley. For a local band that still didn’t have a record deal it was a very big deal for the former burger guy.

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